Apparatus and method for activation of components of an energized ophthalmic lens

ABSTRACT

This present invention provides apparatus and methods for the activation of an energized ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, the present invention provides for activation and deactivation of one or more components via wireless communication with an activation unit external to the ophthalmic lens. In some embodiments, an energized ophthalmic lens contains components which detect external signals, process the detected signal and activate components that change optical characteristics via the control of electrical energy.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present invention claims priority to the U.S. ProvisionalApplication No. 61/108,957, entitled Apparatus and Method for Activationof Components of an Energized Ophthalmic Lens, filed Oct. 28, 2008, thecontents of which are relied upon and incorporated herein.

FIELD OF USE

This invention relates to methods and devices for activating biomedicaldevices. More specifically, the present invention relates to methods anddevices for controlling the application of power to components includedin a biomedical device such as an ophthalmic lens.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Ophthalmic lenses have successfully functioned for corrective visionpurposes for an extensive period. Furthermore, the advancement of thetechnological field has resulted in numerous complex embodiments thatimprove the service of needs of ophthalmic patients ranging frompermeability of the lens material to designs that accommodate bifocalcorrection, for example. However, presently available ophthalmic lensesare static.

Numerous functions would be better served if there were the ability tochange characteristics of ophthalmic lenses in a controlled manner. Atthe core of such applications, there remains a need for a means ofenergizing a function in some manner. In related specifications, whichhave been incorporated into this specification in their entirety,methods, apparatus and devices which comprise energized ophthalmiclenses have been described. A variety of functions may benefit fromenergy savings if the energized lens may be activated or deactivated oncommand. In addition, a benefit may be derived through the applicationof various states of operation which may be activated by a user. Itwould therefore, be desirable to incorporate means of activation intoenergized ophthalmic lenses.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to methods and apparatus foractivating an energized ophthalmic lens. In general, an energizedophthalmic lens contains a component that has the capability ofdetecting a signal that is externally generated and to control afunction of the lens based upon the detected signal. In someembodiments, the detection of a signal activates a component within theenergized ophthalmic lens via the manipulation of electrical power.

Some embodiments of the present invention include one or more detectioncomponents operative to detect photon based signals. Detection ofphoto-based signals may be accomplished, for example, via the use of oneor more of: photodiodes, photoresistors, phototransistors andphotocells.

Additional embodiments can include an external signal that includes oneor more of: electromagnetic energy; inductive coupling; magnetic fieldcoupling; and a signal detected in a capacitive manner. A specificdetection device for magnetic field coupling may include, for example,switches with detectors based on the Hall Effect. Various combinationsand alternatives of external signal are also within the scope of theinvention.

In another aspect, some embodiments of the present invention includemethods and apparatus for detection of different types of energysources. Accordingly, embodiments may include an ophthalmic lens withone or more devices sensitive to one or more of: pressure changes; soundbased signals; magnetic forces; light signals; and radio frequencysignals.

Some embodiments, additionally relate to methods of providing anexternal signal and a source of an external signal, which is operativeto control power to a component in an ophthalmic lens system, therebyactivating or deactivating the component in the ophthalmic lens.Detection of an external signal can cause at least one componentincluded in the ophthalmic lens system to change a physical orelectrical state.

In some embodiments the detection can also include processing the signalin an analog or digital manner. Processing may distinguish patterns inthe externally generated signals, as for example, two discrete signalevents being separated by a band of acceptable time delays. Such asignal combination may be related to physiological characteristicsrelated to blinking of the eyelids.

In some embodiments, an external signal is utilized to electricallyactivate one or more devices within an ophthalmic lens system and changefocal characteristics of an optical device. Still further embodimentsmay include methods of changing transmittance within electrically activeoptical devices.

Additionally, an energized ophthalmic lens may have multiple states,such as an active state with normal energy consumptions and a sleepstate, including low energy consumption. Activating the lens can causethe circuitry to toggle into and out of a sleep state. During an activestate, the lens will become functional and operate at higher energyconsumption rates than a sleep state.

In some embodiments the signal detected may also include energy that isuseful within the energized ophthalmic lens. Some methods relate tousing an external signal to wirelessly provide energy to activate asystem that converts the external energy into energy capable ofreenergizing the energy source within the energized ophthalmic lens.Some embodiments may relate to the external signal comprising highphoton flux which is absorbed and converted into electrical energy forreenergizing the energy source.

Other embodiments relate to the methods that derive from differentclasses of devices activated by the detection events. Some embodimentsof this nature may include identification devices for storingidentification information within the lens. Still further embodimentsmay relate to the method of activating devices capable of displayinginformation with the energized ophthalmic lens system. Some embodimentsmay relate to the method of activating devices that cause the excretionof chemicals from within the lens system. In some of these embodimentsthe chemicals may include pharmaceutical chemicals.

Embodiments may therefore include wireless mechanisms for changing astate of a component or subsystem included in an energized ophthalmiclens via the receipt of a signal. The signal can be verified toascertain that the signal includes a characteristic used to communicatea command to change a state of a component included within theophthalmic lens. A change in a state in one or more components in theophthalmic lens, may thereby be caused based upon the signal.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary depiction of an activatable energizedophthalmic lens system.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary depiction of an activatable energizedophthalmic lens system activated by the presence of a magnetic signalsource.

FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary depiction of an activatable energizedophthalmic lens system activated by an external signal source.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary depiction of an activatable energizedophthalmic lens system in an ambient lighting situation with eyelidblinking signaling.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary depiction of an activatable energizedophthalmic lens system activated by an external pressure signal from afingertip.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides for methods and apparatus for forming anenergized ophthalmic lens with one or more components that may beexternally activated. In the following sections detailed descriptions ofembodiments of the invention will be given. The description of variousembodiments are exemplary and the exemplary nature of the embodimentspresented do not limit the broadness of the underlying invention.

GLOSSARY

In this description and claims directed to the presented invention,various terms may be used for which the following definitions willapply:

Activate (or Activation): means in an energized ophthalmic lens toenable an energy supply to cause at least a component within the lens tofunction or change a state of functioning.

Detection: means receiving a signal.

Energized: means the state of being able to provide energy to or haveenergy stored with, one specific embodiment includes the supply ofelectrical current to or storage of electrical energy within, anophthalmic lens.

Energy: means the capacity of a physical system to do work. Many useswithin this invention may relate to the said capacity being able toperform electrical actions in doing work.

State: means one of multiple potential defined, discrete physical orelectrical conditions, wherein each state may occur within electrical orelectro-physical components or system of components included in anenergized ophthalmic lens.

Activation Systems within an Activated Energized Ophthalmic Lens

Referring now to FIG. 1, the basic structure of an exemplary embodimentof an activated and energized ophthalmic lens 100 is illustrated. Theenergized ophthalmic lens 100 may include one or more components 130,135, 140 and an energy source 110. In some embodiments, a rechargeablelithium ion battery is included as an energy source 110. Therechargeable battery 110 may be charged through the use of a chargingsystem 160. The charging system 160 can be connected to both the batteryenergy source 110 and at connection points 170 and to electronic circuitelements 135 at connection points 150. The electronic circuit elementsmay include one or more of: components 130, 135, 140 mounted to aflexible substrate 145 and shape conforming electronics (notillustrated), such as those including nanonet transistors and carbonnanotube substrates.

Flexible substrates may be useful for the electrical attachment andholding of circuit elements or components 130, 135, 140.

An activation device 140 is useful for changing the state of acontrolling device 130. The output of a controller 130 may be routed bywires or other electrical conductors 120 to an electro optic device inthe optic zone 190.

Proceeding now to FIG. 2, a depiction of some embodiments of the presentinvention is illustrated with an activation device 220 capable ofdetecting the presence or absence of a magnetic field of a certainstrength. The activation device 220 could monitor for the presence of achange in the magnetic field in its proximate environment. When amagnetic device 240 is brought sufficiently close to the energizedophthalmic lens 200 the device will provide magnetic flux 230 with adensity sufficient to trigger a response in the detector 220. Theenergized lens 200 can be activated based upon the response of thedetector 220. Additionally, a state of a component within the lens maybe altered based upon the response of the detector 220.

In some embodiments, the change of state of the component may alter aproperty of an electro-optic device 210 in the optically active portionof the energized ophthalmic lens 200. In a further aspect, in someembodiments, the magnetic activation device 220 may include a HallEffect sensitive switch. A particular embodiment of such a device may bedefined by the use of a micro-sized Hall Effect sensor/switch such asthe A1172 manufactured by Allegro Microsystems, Inc. (Worcester, Mass.).It may be apparent to one skilled in the art that there may be numeroussensor devices capable of detecting magnetic fields or changes inmagnetic fields and these may define numerous embodiments of anactivated ophthalmic lens.

Referring now to FIG. 3, in some additional embodiments, an externalsignaling device 340 transmits an electromagnetic signal to a receiverdevice 320 sensitive to the particular electromagnetic signal 330. Thereceiver device can be used to detect a signal 330 calling for a statechange, or in more complicated embodiments a particular electromagneticsignal 330 may comprise a data stream of electromagnetic signals suchthat when received by device 320 the signal may be converted intoactivation commands.

In some embodiments, the electromagnetic signal may include a photosource of a particular frequency band. In some of these embodiments, thepresence of any signal in the correct frequency band may define anappropriate signal for activation of a component included in anophthalmic lens.

In different embodiments, the electromagnetic signal, 330, may includephotons of a particular energy band where the time evolution of thephoton intensity may be absorbed by a detection device 320 and convertedinto a signal. This signal may then activate various states within theparticular ophthalmic lens. Various frequency bands, including visibleand infrared may be included as non-limiting examples, and may be usedas the electromagnetic signal 330. In other embodiments, the frequencyband may comprise radiofrequency based signaling with the numerousembodiment types of signal definitions obvious to one skilled in theart.

In still further embodiments, the source 340 may include a signal whoseelectric field component contains the signaling information. In somesuch embodiments, a capacitive coupling device may define the signaldetector 320. In analogous manners as discussed for electromagneticsignaling, the presence of such an electric field of a correspondingnature may comprise the signal.

In another aspect, a time evolution of such a signal may encode theappropriate signal being defined for a detection device 320. Othermethods and devices utilized in electric field based systems may also beused to activate energized ophthalmic lens components.

Referring now to FIG. 4, additional types of activation embodiments areillustrated. An ambient source of light 440, such as, for example,natural sunlight may generate rays of ambient light 430 which impinge inthe region around the ophthalmic lens. An ambient source of light 440may also include artificial light sources such as, for example:incandescent, fluorescent, light emitting diodes or a large variety ofambient light source variations.

A physiological eyelid 450 may represent a relatively opaque screenbetween the ambient light source 440 and a detector of this light source420; the presence of light at the detector may define a signaling aspectthat may be controlled by the wearer of such an activated energizedophthalmic lens. In an exemplary sense, intentional blinking is used togenerate light signal pulses in a light detector 420 included in anenergized ophthalmic lens 415 and then used to provide control signalsto other components 425 in the energized ophthalmic lens 415. A correctsignaling of the light based on eye blinking may therefore activate thelens.

A signal generated by a patterned eye blinking sequence may therefore beutilized to implement a state change of one or more components 425 suchas an electro-optic device in the optically active region 410 of theophthalmic lens system. Multiple alternative embodiments for processinglight waves 430 are available from an ambient light source. Variablesthat may be combined into such embodiments include schemes of signalingvia blinking, types of detectors that may detect the light source andelectronic components that connect and process signals received andactivate components 425 within the energized lens 415.

Referring now to FIG. 5, in still further embodiments, an activationsignal may include mechanical based signaling. Pressure resulting fromeither mechanical contact or from sound waves may define embodimentswhere the pressure is analogous to the electromagnetic signals ofprevious discussion. At 500, an exemplary representation of anophthalmic region is illustrated where eyelids 540 surround the lens.

In some embodiments, pressure in the form of mechanical contact to theeyelid may be transmitted through the eyelid to a pressure sensitiveactivation device within the ophthalmic lens. The pressure may beaccomplished by pressing a finger against an eyelid. A pressuresensitive device 520 may include a membrane switch; alternatively otherpressure sensing devices may also be used, including micro or nano sizedpressure transducers. Contact pressure forms a signal; in someembodiments the contact pressure results from a user pressing upon theeyelid with a fingertip 530. Variations relating to the nature of amechanical or pressure signal and the devices to detect it may compriseart within the scope of this invention.

In alternative embodiments, a pressure signal may be contained in asound wave. In such embodiments, the structure of this system may bedepicted similarly with FIG. 3. In such embodiments, however a source340 would include one or more sources of sound energy.

Sound energy used to transition the state of an energy receptor may bepart of an audible sound regime or alternatively be outside an audibleregime. As illustrated, sound waves 330 may be detected by a microphonedevice 320 or other receptor sensitive to a predetermined wavelength ofsound utilized to generate a change of state signal. In suchembodiments, a detected sound signal may then trigger activation ofcomponents within the ophthalmic lens system. In some embodiments,activation may result in a change in state of an electro-optic device310. There are numerous variations of this embodiment relating to thenature of the sound wave, its detection, the type of signal contained inthe sound wave and the type of activation that it signals.

Function of Activated Energized Ophthalmic Lens Device,

In some embodiments, an energy source within an energized ophthalmiclens may be disconnected from some or all components included in theenergized lens, except for relatively small amounts of energy used forcircuitry operative to detect activation in one of the mannersdisclosed. Such an activation signal could then be used to start up oneor more additional circuitry sections within the ophthalmic lens. Inthis manner, activation of the additional circuitry may in its own rightactivate some function change within the device. Alternatively, in someembodiments, the activation of additional circuitry may allow for thelens to be brought out of what can be called a “sleep mode” and make thelens ready to receive additional activation signals.

In some embodiments the activation signal will change direct aspects ofthe lens characteristics. For example, the activation signal may changethe state of an electroactive lens. In doing so, in some embodiments,the focal characteristics of the ophthalmic lens may be modified. In anon-limiting example, the activation signal may cause electroniccircuits to apply a direct current (DC) voltage to electrodes thatchange the hydrophobicity of an EWOD (Electro Wetting on Dielectric)electrode. Said change in hydrophobicity may alter the characteristicsof a meniscus interface and thereby change focal characteristics of alens formed by this interface. It may be apparent that the same signalmay alternatively cause an alternating current (AC) voltage to beapplied to the same electrodes. From a more general sense, theactivation signal may cause an electroactive lens system to change statefrom one optical characteristic to another.

In some alternative embodiments, an activation signal may cause changesto the shading of the ophthalmic lens in either optically active oroptically non-active regions. Still further activation embodiments mayinclude altering the transmission characteristics of an optically activeregion of the lens. It may be apparent to one skilled in the art thatthere are numerous conditions related to how light may be made toproceed through an ophthalmic lens system.

In other embodiments the activation process may comprise signaltransmission into the ophthalmic lens. In these cases, the signal may berouted to a processing electronic device within the lens. The signal maycomprise a controlling role when decoded within the processing device.Alternatively, the signal may comprise data that is transferred withinthe lens. This data signal may activate display characteristics withinthe lens in some embodiments. It may be apparent that variouscombinations of activation signal may occur within an activatedenergized ophthalmic lens either in the form of different data encodingof a particular signal type or as a combination of different signaltypes.

In different types of embodiments, the activation signal may engagetransmission of data from the lens itself. In a non-limiting example, anRFID component may be contained within the ophthalmic lens system.Activation may comprise enabling the RFID to transmit a subset ofinformation that it stores. It may be obvious to one skilled in the artthat numerous data storage, transmission, processing and communicationembodiments may exist within the scope of this art.

In still other embodiments activation of an ophthalmic lens may causethe lens system to dispense one or more of: active agents, chemicals andsolutions, from a storage portion in the ophthalmic lens. In someembodiments these active agents, chemicals and solutions may treat anophthalmic environment into which the lens is placed in some manner. Forexample, a dispensed solution may include an agent to address dry eyeconditions, or a pharmaceutical addressing an eye condition. In someembodiments, a sensor included in the lens may act to monitor acondition in the ophthalmic environment and dispense a solution inresponse to transitioning into or out of a liminal state. Essentially,the sensor may act as an activation unit. It may be apparent thatnumerous embodiments of activating the dispensing of chemicals from anactivated ophthalmic lens may derive from the art of this invention.

In still other embodiments, the signal may cause the lens system tochange physical appearance. By way of non-limiting example a change inphysical appearance may involve activation of a light-emitting device.In some embodiments the device may blink on or off while in otherembodiments the light may stay in an on state until the reception ofanother activation signal. It may be apparent to one skilled in the artthat there may be numerous embodiments where different types ofappearance changes comprise the change in state that is activated withinthe energized ophthalmic lens.

CONCLUSION

The present invention, as described above and as further defined by theclaims below, provides methods of forming activated energized ophthalmiclenses and apparatus for implementing such methods, as well asdescriptions of the activated energized ophthalmic lenses formed therebyand the methods of activation of the lenses.

1. An activation system for an energized ophthalmic lens comprising: anenergized ophthalmic lens comprising an energy source, wherein theenergized ophthalmic lens may be worn such that a physiological eyelidrepresents one or more of: a screen between an ambient light source andthe ophthalmic lens and a mechanical pressure conduit to the ophthalmiclens; an activation device in electrical communication with the energysource, wherein the activation device is capable of detecting a signalemanating from a source external to the ophthalmic lens; and a componentin electrical communication with the energy source to receive energyfrom the energy source based upon detection of the external signal bythe activation device.
 2. The activation system of claim 1 wherein theactivation device capable of detecting a signal emanating from a sourceexternal to the ophthalmic lens comprises a photosensitive device. 3.The activation system of claim 2 wherein the photosensitive device isone or more of: a photodiode, a photoresistor, a phototransistor and aphotocell.
 4. The activation system of claim 1 wherein the activationdevice capable of detecting a signal emanating from a source external tothe ophthalmic lens comprises a device sensitive to electromagneticenergy in a different spectral region than a photosensitive device. 5.The activation system of claim 1 wherein the activation device capableof detecting a signal emanating from a source external to the ophthalmiclens comprise a device capable of capacitive coupling to an externalelectric signal.
 6. The activation system of claim 1 wherein theactivation device capable of detecting a signal emanating from a sourceexternal to the ophthalmic lens comprise a device capable of inductivecoupling to an external electromagnetic signal.
 7. The activation systemof claim 1 wherein the activation device capable of detecting a signalemanating from a source external to the ophthalmic lens comprises adevice capable of magnetic coupling to an external magnetic signal. 8.The activation system of claim 7 wherein the device capable of magneticcoupling comprises a Hall Effect switch.
 9. The activation system ofclaim 1 wherein the activation device capable of detecting a signalemanating from a source external to the ophthalmic lens comprises adevice capable of sensing a change in pressure on a surface of theenergized ophthalmic device.
 10. The activation system of claim 1wherein the activation device capable of detecting a signal emanatingfrom a source external to the ophthalmic lens comprise a device capableof sensing an external sound signal.
 11. A method of activating anenergized ophthalmic lens comprising: providing an external signalsource to the energized ophthalmic lens, wherein the energizedophthalmic lens may be worn such that a physiological eyelid representsone or more of: a screen between an ambient light source and theophthalmic lens and a mechanical pressure conduit to the ophthalmiclens; detecting the external signal source via a first componentcomprising the energized ophthalmic lens; and altering a state of asecond component comprising the energized lens.
 12. The method of claim11 further comprising processing the detection of the external signal todetermine an activation state.
 13. The method of claim 12 wherein theprocessing comprises distinguishing two or more discrete detectedsignals separated by a times delay.
 14. The method of claim 13 whereinthe timing comprises patterned blinking of eyelids.
 15. The method ofclaim 11 wherein the component state that is activated comprises anelectro-optic device.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the methodadditionally comprises activating the electro-optic device to alter oneor more focal characteristics of the ophthalmic lens.
 17. The method ofclaim 11 wherein the method additionally comprises activating acomponent state to adjust the transmittance of the ocular active regionin a spectral band.
 18. The method of claim 11 wherein the altering of astate of a component places at least one component in electricalcommunication with the energy source in the energized ophthalmic lens.19. The method of claim 11 wherein the altering of a state of acomponent comprising the energized lens signal comprises detection ofphoton flux and the method additionally comprises charging the energysource comprising the energized ophthalmic lens.
 20. The method of claim11 wherein one or more components comprises an identification device.